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Arrieta to pitch simulated game Friday

Jake Arrieta has above-average strikeout potential, but he will need to display improved control to be more than a low-end rotation option

By Carrie Muskat
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MLB.com |

MESA, Ariz. -- Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta, slowed this spring because of tightness in his right shoulder, will throw two innings in a simulated game on Friday.

Arrieta said he is on schedule in his rehab.

"Everyone is going to be sore," he said. "For me, the three-week buildup of preparing for the season is the most difficult time as far as keeping your body ready and bouncing back for your next outing. That's standard for everybody across the board. I will be sore, but that comes with the territory of getting ready to throw 100 pitches in a game for 30 starts in a row."

Arrieta, projected for the fifth spot in the rotation, is back on a regular routine, and that's helped, too.

"For me, that's very important, so I can approach each day as I would throughout the season and get into that routine," he said.

Meanwhile, James McDonald was feeling better after coming out of his last start with soreness in his right shoulder. McDonald threw two pitches on Monday before he was lifted because of discomfort.

"The work we've been doing the last couple days has helped," McDonald said. " Tomorrow we'll see how I feel and go from there."